Rowlock for boats



J. WILLIAMS. ROWLOGK FOR BOATS.

Patented Apr. '7, 18 91.

mfiuessesz UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES IVILLIAMS, OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

ROWLOCK FOR BOATS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 449,787, dated April 7, 1891.

Application filed November 6, 1890. Serial No. 370,504. (No model.)

My invention relates to the method of mounting rowlocks for boats on metal seats or supports; and it consists in providing two or more independent bearings at each side of the axis fore and aft; also, a spherical bearing in the center, so as .to secure a broader base, greater stability, and increased bearing and wearing surfaces, two of the bearings being segmental dovetail ledges and the third one spherical, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a vertical section taken longitudinally through the center of one of my improved rowlocks. Fig. 2 is a plan View of a complete rowlock. Fig. 3 is an end view of the same, and Fig. 4 is a transverse section of Fig. 2 on the line 00 3 Similar letters of reference on the different figures indicate corresponding parts.

The base-plate A, I form in one piece, with a spherical pivot Bin the center and two an gular ledges O and D, the faces of all being swept from the center a, Figs. 1 and 2. This base-plate has extensions at each end to receive the fastening screws or bolts to attach it to the gunwale E of a boat in the usual manner.

The throat or oar-support F, 1* form with corresponding ledges to fit loosely at O and D into the base A 5 also, with a concave socket to fit loosely over the spherical projection B. So this throat-piece F is free to turn about its axis with the motion of the oar, but heldat the same time firmly in its seat on the baseplate A.

The distance from D to D, Fig. 2, is made longer than the width of the throat-piece F, so that when the latter is turned at a right angle to the base-plate A it can be taken off or put on instantly; or if the oar comes in contact with anything not seen by the rower, as soon as the oar swings fore and aftand the rowlock comes to a right angle the oars and throat-piece will fall inboard and leave the gun wale free from obstruction, or the rowlock will unship by swinging the oar fore and aft untilthe throat-piece comes at a right angle to the sole-plate A.

I11 this construction of rowlocks the strain of the oar in rowing either forward or backward falls on three of the ledges O and D and also on the spherical bearing B in the center, and being thus distributed over a large area there is little friction or wear to cause lost motion, which is common in rowlocks now in use.

The spherical bearing B can be omitted altogether, or a simple pin in the center can be substituted, without interfering with the action or objects of the double dovetail ledges C and D, which independently form a large bearing and wearing surface. The objects of the spherical form are to provide a maximum amount of wearing-surface and at the same time permit the throat-piece F to roll or turn I out of its seat by side-thrust alone when standing transverse to the sole-plate A.

Having thus described the nature and objects of my invention, also the manner of constructing and applying the same, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a rowlock for boats, the combination of the base-plate A, provided with a spherical pivot 13 in the center and two angular ledges O and D, the throat or oar-support F, provided with corresponding ledges to fit closely at O and D, and also with a concave socket to fit loosely over the spherical projection B, so that said throat itself may be free to turn about its axis with the motion of the oar.

2. In a rowlock for boats, the combination of the base-plate A, having the spherical pivot 13 at the center and the two ledges C and D, said base-plate having also extensions at each end to receive suitable fastenings whereby it is attached to the gunwale, the throat or oarsupport F, formed with corresponding ledges to fit closely at O and D into the base A, and also with a concave socket to fit loosely over the spherical projection B, all arranged to operate substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JAMES IVILLIAMS.

\Vitnesses:

ALFRED A. ENoUIsT, W. D. BENT, Jr. 

